Summer has come and gone, and fall is officially here. While the daytime temperatures in Nevada are still breaking the 90-degree mark, the cooler weather is right around the corner. To avoid getting stuck in the cold without a fully functioning heating system this winter, take this time to make sure your current unit doesn’t require a repair or replacement. If you need a new heating system, read on to learn more about today’s energy-efficient options.
Gas Furnaces
A gas forced-air furnace turns on when the temperature in your home drops below the thermostat setting. The thermostat sends an electrical signal to a relay in the furnace, which opens a valve and delivers natural gas to the burners. After the blower turns on, the furnace’s pilot light ignites the burner in the combustion chamber, creating heat in the heat exchanger. Once the furnace heats the air, it pushes it into the hot-air plenum and through the ductwork into the rooms in your home. A flue in the roof vents the combustion gases created by the burning fuel.
Pros of Gas Furnaces
- Combustion of natural gas is clean and efficient
- Natural gas costs less than electricity
- Filter air to help maintain healthy indoor air quality
Cons of Gas Furnaces
- Lifespan of up to 15 years with regular maintenance
- Inefficient in areas that rarely experience freezing temperatures
- High installation costs and require ventilation
Heat Pumps
Many homeowners who don’t have access to natural gas have installed a heat pump as their primary heating solution. That’s because, even if it’s cold outside, heat pumps can extract heat energy in the outdoor air and transfer it inside. When it’s warm outside, heat pumps work in reverse and push unwanted heat outside. In short, heat pumps transfer heat from one area to another, depending on the weather conditions. And they’re highly efficient at doing so.
Pros of Heat Pumps
- Cheaper to operate and last longer than combustion-based heating systems
- Require less maintenance and are safer than combustion-based heating systems
- Provide highly efficient heating and cooling capabilities in mild climates
Cons of Heat Pumps
- High upfront cost of purchasing and installing the heat pump system
- Not entirely carbon neutral – require some electricity to operate
- Not ideal in regions that experience freezing temperature frequently
Ductless Mini-Splits
There are two types of ductless system configurations: single-zone and multi-zone. In a single-zone configuration, homeowners can install a ductless system so one indoor air handler corresponds to one outdoor compressor. The outdoor compressor transfers refrigerant and power to the indoor air handler via a small pipe. In the multi-zone configuration, the outdoor compressor can power up to nine indoor air handlers, which you can control separately with a wireless remote. Ductless systems offer flexibility and give you more control over your comfort.
Pros of Ductless Mini-Splits
- Highly efficient when used in room additions or to create zones
- Offer multi-stage filtration that helps improve indoor air quality
- Use R410A refrigerant, which is known for its zero ozone depletion potential
Cons of Ductless Mini-Splits
- Look unattractive in some living spaces when installed incorrectly
- Improperly sized ductless systems can offset efficiency
- Not ideal in regions that experience freezing temperature frequently
Are you looking to replace or upgrade your home’s heating system? Let Sun Country Heating & Cooling help. We offer a range of high-quality heating systems, including furnaces, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. Contact us today at (702) 213-2857 to make sure your new heating system is sized properly and installed correctly in your home.
Image provided by Thinkstock